When you’re getting married, you want all the important people in your life to celebrate with you. But what if some of those important people just happen to choose that date to go on a non-refundable cruise or begin a 6-month sabbatical – simply because they didn’t know?! That’s where save the dates come in and, well – save the day! We have tips to help you get the word out and ideas for unique save the date options. Download our Free Printable Wedding Planner Worksheets get ready and organized for your wedding.
What's a save the date anyway? A save the date is simply a card that gives wedding guests a heads-up about your wedding date, so they will not schedule cruises and sabbaticals on that date. Basically, you're asking people to save the date and keep it free from other obligations. While not mandatory, save the dates are very helpful for your wedding guests. This is also your first official wedding communication (yay!), so make sure they set the tone for the celebration to come. Is there any etiquette around sending save the dates? Well of course there is – because it seems there's etiquette about all things wedding-related, right?! But luckily, it’s pretty manageable this time around:
- Save the dates should be mailed at least 6 months in advance of your wedding date. That will give your guests enough time to plan ahead for your wedding – especially if they need to make travel arrangements. On the other hand, don't send them too early, as they may get misplaced.
- Don’t send save the dates to people you think you might invite to your wedding. Why? Because anyone who receives a save the date MUST be invited to the wedding. You don’t get to change your mind later. Also? RSVPs are not needed right now. Save that for the invitations.
- Save the date cards do not need to be as formal as the wedding invitation. Actually, they don’t even have to coordinate. (But they can if you want them to!) For example, these Personalized Tropical Wedding Save the Date Cards would be perfect for a summer outdoor or beach wedding!
- If you want to invite a guest's family or plus one, indicate that on the envelope. It's best to put that out there early on, so there's no time like NOW.
What are the options for save the dates? A quick scan of Pinterest will confirm that some brides like to go all out with their save the dates, while others prefer to keep it more simple and low-key. Check out this Pinterest planning tips article. If you don't want to go to the extreme of having it sky-written above everyone's homes, check out some of these more attainable (but still fabulous!) save the date ideas:
- Cards. They're tried and true and offer a lot of room for creativity with the printing and/or images. These Custom Photo Classic Save The Date Cards are perfect for guests to hang on the fridge with your photo to remember your big day.
- Postcards. Just as much room for creativity as a card, but more affordable to mail.
- Magnets. Such handy reminders for your guests, since they can put them on their fridge or message board. Your guests will never forget your wedding date with these Personalized Chalkboard Floral Save the Date Magnets.
- E-cards. Super easy to send, but remember: older guests may not be as tech savvy.
- Small favor packages. Fill 'em up with candy or cookies for a fun surprise! These work better for a smaller guest list.
No matter what kind of save the date you decide to send, include these essential pieces of information:
- Your names
- The wedding date
- The location of your wedding (city and state is enough at this point)
- Your wedding website URL (if you have one) so guests can get further information about venue and hotel, registry, etc.
Your save the dates are the first official communication about your wedding. Make sure to give the right vibe and set the tone for your wedding while giving wedding guests a heads-up about the date and location. You can also seal the envelopes with these Personalized Love Birds Wedding Favor Stickers and use this Personalized Self Inking Stamper to save time.
With eight months until your wedding, you should also book an engagement photo shoot. Remember to make time to look at wedding rings and choose the perfect ceremony officiant!
See more tips for every phase of your planning process in our Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Guide. Feeling crafty? We’ve included unique DIY wedding projects too! Don't forget to use these Free Printable Wedding Planner Worksheets to get ready and organized for your big day.
Article written by: Heather Clark
